Police have found no evidence an offensive anti-Semitic phrase was ever used at a widely condemned pro-Palestine rally on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
The snap rally on October 9 was sparked by a decision to light the Opera House’s sails in the colours of the Israeli flag after the Hamas attack that sparked the latest Israel-Gaza conflict.
Edited footage of protesters chanting “gas the Jews” was later shared by the Australian Jewish Association with news organisations, leading to widespread condemnation and changes to hate-crimes laws.
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But NSW Police on Friday said an extensive investigation found no evidence the chants occurred at the rally.
“As a result of independent forensic analysis of audio-video files of the demonstration provided to investigators, police have no evidence that this phrase was used,” they said in a statement.
“Police also obtained statements from several individuals who attended the protest indicating they heard the phrase, however, these statements have not attributed the phrase to any specific individual.”
Detectives continue to ask anyone with information who may not have yet spoken with police to come forward.